Displaced by recent violence in Jongeli state, mothers and their children take shelter near Pibor, South Sudan (UN Photo)

Over the weekend my colleague Dan and I were in Juba, South Sudan. While there, we met with humanitarian groups and personnel working in the security sector to discuss the tenuous situation in Jonglei state where fighting between tribes has led to massive civilian suffering. We were warned that the cycle of revenge attacks is unlikely to end in the near future and many expect another major attack in the coming months.

The most recent major offensive occurred in early January where an estimated 6,000 youth from the Lou Nuer tribe attacked the people of the Murle tribe. While cattle raids between the two tribes are not uncommon, this most recent attack utilized different tactics and the scale was much more devastating than has been previously seen. We met with a humanitarian group with operations in Jonglei who told us that over 1,000 were likely killed, many of which were civilians.

During the most recent attacks in January, the Lou Nuer utilized scorched earth tactics, burning fields, homes, and villages. While the armed elements of these tribes have repeatedly clashed, the primary victims of the violence are women, children, and the elderly. A new aspect of these attacks was the use of hate speech and the role that technology had in promoting the attack. The youth from the Lou Nuer who conducted the attacks even issued a public statement announcing their desire to wipe out the Murle. This hate speech was exacerbated by the use of social media to spread fear and hatred among the tribes, which was fueled by members of the Diaspora living outside of Sudan.

Cattle raids between the Lou Nuer and Murle occur fairly regularly. Yet, little has been done to end the cycle of violence or to at least mitigate the impact on civilians. The tribes do not have much trust in the government of South Sudan. Therefore, recent mediation efforts have been conducted through the church. Unfortunately, in December talks failed because the church mediation team and the elders who normally negotiate peace were unable to access the youth responsible for the attacks. This is thought to be the result of a growing generational divide that is taking place across South Sudan.

Despite the mistrust from the tribes, the government of South Sudan must be actively engaged in the peace negotiations between the groups and support the church’s efforts to lead the process. The South Sudan military also needs to proactively prepare security forces to protect civilians from violence instead of merely responding afterwards. The government must also support the development of lasting structures to maintain dialogue between the tribes to prevent future outbreaks of violence.

While the United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) was able to assist in the response to attacks in Jonglei, the lack of resources such as helicopters and other means of transportation was a serious handicap to peacekeepers. Earlier today we flew on one of the Russian helicopters which are being withdrawn in April. The withdrawal of the helicopters will make transportation even more difficult especially once the rainy season begins. The international community must provide additional helicopters and ensure that UNMISS is adequately equipped to fulfill its mandate to protect civilians.

The Murle have already begun conducting counter raids against the Lou Nuer and according to our humanitarian partners we met with in Juba, another massive attack will likely occur in the upcoming months. The international community has the ability to help end the cycle of violence and must take action to fully equip UNMISS and pressure the South Sudanese government to proactively take steps to protect civilians.

Aerial view of an oil field in Unity State, South Sudan (UN Photo)

Investment by corporate actors, not just foreign governments, and the development of South Sudan’s industries will be critical to its long term survival. While security problems, issues of transparency, challenges of good governance and tensions with Sudan over oil transit fees make the country a difficult operating environment, investment by corporate actors will play a key role in South Sudan’s economic development.

At a December conference on investment in South Sudan held in Washington, D.C., President Salva Kiir pledged to implement the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI). EITI is the global standard for transparency for natural resource revenue. Transparency in revenue reporting – by companies and governments – is critical for reducing corruption, poverty and instability. However, the South Sudanese government is still in the process of passing a petroleum bill and lacks the capacity to enforce EITI’s provisions.

Providing further challenges, the civil society component needed to ensure accountability doesn’t yet exist in South Sudan. Given this gap, corporate actors shoulder an increased responsibility to ensure transparency. Companies operating in South Sudan should publish all the payments they make to the government as well as conduct independent audits of all payments and revenues related to those operations. This will help ensure the people of South Sudan benefit from sale of their natural resources and create an environment that encourages healthy investment.

The United Nations Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights call on corporate actors to exercise due diligence to avoid infringing on the rights of local communities, and to address adverse impacts as they occur. This means corporations must conduct environmental, social and human rights impact assessments before beginning operations in South Sudan. Doing so not only protects local communities, but it also helps corporations avoid the kind of unrest that they might encounter as a result of local resentment and increase the openness of communities in the south to further investment and development.

There is a longstanding connection between the oil industry and grave human rights violations in Sudan and South Sudan. This connection appears to be continuing with the fighting in the oil producing South Kordofan, Blue Nile and Unity states. Corporate actors have the difficult job of protecting their employees and operations in these areas in a way that does not infringe on the human rights and security of local communities. This requires companies to conduct rigorous risk assessments and develop and implement security measures that respect human rights. Commitment to the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights would be a strong step towards balancing those demands.

More information on these, and other ways corporations should act to contribute to the development of South Sudan, is available at the Conflict Risk Network (CRN) website. CRN is a network of institutional investors, financial service providers and related stakeholders that calls on corporate actors to fulfill their responsibility to respect human rights and to take steps that support peace and stability in areas affected by genocide and mass atrocities.

Ethnic fighting continues in South Sudan's Jonglei State (UN Photo)

As United to End Genocide President Tom Andrews highlighted yesterday in his blog, there are still many challenges that threaten peace and prosperity in South Sudan.

At this moment, two of the greatest challenges are the attacks being perpetrated in border areas by Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir and the escalating inter-ethnic fighting within South Sudan.  In this newly independent country—already suffering from food insecurity—this violence threatens to make a worsening food crisis even more deadly.

Earlier today, Oxfam International detailed their blueprint for a food secure future in South Sudan. Similar to Tom’s blog, Oxfam highlights the need for development-related solutions coupled with the absolute necessity of addressing conflict:

“Perhaps most importantly, the GoSS must acknowledge and address the impacts of conflict and insecurity on the agricultural sector.

Insecurity disrupts cultivation, inhibits transport and trade, restricts access to markets, schools and healthcare and exacerbates vulnerabilities – with women and children almost always disproportionately affected.

Recognizing the linkage between insecurity and development means increasing support to mitigating security threats, addressing root causes of conflict such as inequitable development, and supporting the professionalization of the security sector.

The current fighting along the border is also a significant obstacle. Sudan and South Sudan will have to rely heavily on each other in the future, and having a peaceful border is vital for the long term development and security for both Sudanese and South Sudanese people.

The international community has invested a tremendous amount in shepherding Sudan and South Sudan through the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and independence. Now, however, the work just begins and donors must double down on their commitments to help South Sudan overcome the challenges of insecurity, displacement, and cyclical droughts and floods.

As it makes this transition to a nation at peace with itself and with its neighbor, South Sudan will require a comprehensive balance of predictable, multi-year development assistance alongside continued support for humanitarian needs focused on strengthening the GoSS emergency preparedness and disaster management capacity.

It will also be important to invest in programs of Disaster Risk Reduction and resilience that enable communities to prevent, mitigate and recover quickly from humanitarian crises. Donors should also look to emergent South Sudanese civil society as an important actor in providing humanitarian and development assistance that complements the programs of the state and private sector.”

As we’ve warned, insecurity within South Sudan and along border areas will continue to threaten lives—whether through direct violence or the indirect impacts of conflict—unless immediate steps are taken to address attacks. You can read Oxfam International’s entire blog here.

Despite the impending arrival of monitors, violence in Syria continues to intensify with security forces killing at least 182 people on Monday and Tuesday. At least 70 soldiers of those killed were members of the Syrian military in the province of Idlib when they attempted to leave their bases to defect and join protestors.

The Gulf States have been particularly strong in their condemnation of violence perpetrated by President Assad’s regime and earlier today the Gulf Cooperation Council called on Syria to “immediately halt its killing machine, put an end to bloodshed, lift all signs of armed conflict and release prisoners, as a first step towards implementing the protocol.”

On Monday, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution condemning human rights violations and violence against protestors by Assad’s regime and called for an immediate end to the abuses. The resolution passed with 133 votes in favor, 11 against, 43 abstentions. While the resolution was more of a symbolic measure, it is a positive sign that Russia and China, who had vetoed a Security Council resolution on Syria in October, abstained rather than vote against the measure.

Last week Frederic Hof, a senior State Department official, stated that President Assad was essentially a ‘dead man walking’ and that it was not a matter of ‘if’ the regime will fail but ‘when’. Despite suffering through nine months of brutal oppression which has killed over 5,000 civilians, Syrians continue to protest against Assad’s regime. With the strong internal opposition, resounding international condemnation and steep economic decline it appears unlikely that Assad’s government can continue to sustain itself much longer.

Sudan and South Sudan

BREAKING NEWS: South Sudan’s rebel leader George Athor “killed”—Sudan Tribune

“The South Sudanese rebel leader and renegade general, George Athor, has been killed, announced the country’s Vice-President Riek Machar Teny in a press conference held in the capital Juba today…”

SPLA besiege George Athor in C. Equatoria: spokesman—Sudan Tribune

“A Sudan People’s Liberation Army unit has besieged rebel leader George Athor and his forces in Central Equatoria’s Morobo county area, which borders the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Phillip Aguer, the army spokesman said today…”

South Sudan rebels abductees describe South Kordofan ordeal—Sudan Tribune

“Two South Sudanese described their forcible recruitment by the rebel South Sudan Liberation Army (SSLA) in Khartoum and escape from South Kordofan, in an interview with Sudan Tribune on Monday…”

Sudanese refugees recall horror of Blue Nile fighting—Reuters

“Pointing to a scarred bald patch above his ear, Lise Dide shows where shrapnel grazed his head when his village in Sudan’s Blue Nile state was hit in an air strike. “The plane came when I was asleep. I was still in my bed, I did not hear the sound,” he said in South Sudan’s Doro refugee camp, set up just three weeks ago some 40 km (25 miles) from the Sudanese border…”

Janjaweed leader calls for military action to protect Darfur peace—Sudan Tribune

“A former Janhaweed leader called for a military action to protect the implementation of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD) in order to ensure its enforcement and end the over eight-year insurgency in western Sudan…”

Amnesty: UN Did ‘Nothing’ to Protect Civilians in Sudan’s Abyei—Voice of America

“Amnesty International says United Nations peacekeepers failed to protect civilians during fighting this year in the disputed Abyei region between Sudan and South Sudan.  The rights group is calling for the new U.N. peacekeeping force currently deploying to the area to do a better job…”

Human rights organisation calls for UN to improve security for Abyei’s displaced—Sudan Tribune

“Amnesty International (AI) is calling upon the United Nations to provide a secure environment for people displaced by the conflict in Abyei…”

New approach needed to ensure food security says UN expert—Miraya FM

“The current global trade system is not helping to ensure food security in poor countries. That’s the conclusion of a United Nations independent food expert, who says the current global trading system does not work for the poor…”

Jonglei village attack amid increased displacement—Sudan Tribune

“A village in Jonglei was attacked on Saturday; one of numerous recent incidents of insecurity in the region which are seeing marked depopulation, according to a local chief…”

UN envoy hails Vice-President’s appeal for reconciliation in Jonglei—Miraya FM

“The head of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan has welcomed an appeal by the country’s Vice-President Riek Machar to communities in the troubled Jonglei state to refrain from violence and to immediately engage in talks on reconciliation and peaceful coexistence…”

USA lifts sanctions—Miraya FM

“The United States of America has lifted sanctions on the Republic of South Sudan, Barnaba Marial Benjamin, the minister for Information said on Sunday upon his arrival from the International Engagement Conference (IEC) in Washington DC…”

S. Sudan demands presence of oil companies in negotiations—Sudan Tribune

“The Government of South Sudan (GoSS) has made proposals to have representatives from oil companies included in the next round of post-session negotiations mediated by the African Union High Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP), Pagan Amum, its chief negotiator said on Monday…”

Sudan opens bidding on oil exploration blocks—Miraya FM

“The government of Sudan said it will open six exploration blocks for bidding by international oil companies. “Everyone is invited to invest in this country,” Minister of Petroleum Awad Ahmed Aljaz told reporters…”

Syria

Syria unrest: Dozens of army deserters ‘gunned down’—BBC News

“Dozens of army deserters have been shot dead by Syrian troops as they tried to flee their bases and join anti-government protests, reports say. Activist groups said more than 70 defectors were gunned down in the north-western Idlib province. They said Monday’s death toll across the country could exceed 110 – which if true would make it one of the deadliest days of the uprising…”

Syria Sets Death Penalty for Terrorist Arms Smugglers—Voice of America

“Syria’s state-run news agency says President Bashar al-Assad has issued a new law allowing for a death sentence for anyone found to be distributing arms to terrorists…”

Turkish-Syrian Border Becomes Haven for Syrian Opposition—Voice of America

“The Turkish-Syrian border has become a key conduit for the Syrian opposition, including defectors in the Free Syria Army who have set up an underground network of bases. A couple of kilometers over the border: A cellphone video captures Syrian soldiers firing on people trying to flee across to Turkey…”

Democratic Republic of Congo

Amid Dispute, DRC President Takes Oath of Office—Voice of America

“Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila has been sworn in for a new term, as opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi continues to assert he is the country’s rightful leader…”

DRC Opposition Leader Calls for Kabila’s Seizure—Voice of America

“Congolese opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi says he is the country’s rightful leader and has called for the seizure of President Joseph Kabila. Election officials say Mr. Kabila easily won last month’s presidential poll in the Democratic Republic of Congo. But Mr. Tshisekedi has rejected the results as fraudulent and declared himself president, saying he will take office on Friday.

Analysis: DR Congo elections open new wounds—BBC News

“Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila’s victory in the 28 November election is fragile and contested. His swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday. But main opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi, 79, will also be sworn in as president “by the people” on Friday at a mass rally Martyrs’ stadium in the capital, Kinshasa…”

USA boosts its presence in Central Africa in hunt for LRA—Miraya FM

“As part of its regional hunt for fighters from the Lord’s Resistance Army the US special forces have set up a base in the Central African Republic. “The deployment of this contingent, the size of which is unknown, was carried out very discreetly with Ugandan military aircraft,” reported a Central African military official who would like to remain anonymous…”

Libya

U.N. lifts sanctions in Libya—CNN International

“The United Nations Security Council on Friday lifted sanctions on the Central Bank of Libya and the Libyan Foreign Bank, moves that were warmly received by the United States and Britain. This will allow the United States and other countries to unfreeze billions of dollars to help Libyans build their new democracy,” U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice said…”

Refugees in Doro, South Sudan

Each day at least 1,000 refugees arrive in South Sudan many of whom have fled to Doro camp which hosts over 20,000 civilians from Blue Nile. As Doro nears capacity, the United Nations has begun to set up a second site for refugees called Jammam. Both sites are in Maban County in Unity State which faces extreme food shortages and whose residents have been struggling to support themselves in addition to their neighbors from Blue Nile.

Resources and supplies are extremely limited and the lack of food has left many children malnourished. According to Medecins Sans Frontieres, the refugees sometimes have to wait in line for up to 12 hours for water and many have contracted diseases due to extremely poor sanitary conditions. With the continually growing rate of new arrivals, civilians who have suffered from government attacks will now have to endure the lack of resources and the challenges that accompany such shortages.

Fighting in Blue Nile and South Kordofan has caused at least 82,000 refugees to flee to Ethiopia and South Sudan while an additional 266,000 remain caught in the states which have been devastated by conflict. Many refugees remained scattered in the rural areas along the border and those who flee to refugee camps fear attacks by the Sudanese military which bombed two refugee areas in South Sudan in November.

The Obama Administration offered a package of incentives to encourage good behavior towards innocent civilians in Sudan. However, the Sudanese government has continued to block humanitarian access, bomb civilian areas in South Kordofan, Darfur, Blue Nile, and South Sudan even targeting displaced persons living at the refugee camps. Al-Bashir continues to show the world that he is willing to wage violence towards the Sudanese people, therefore he needs to be stopped.  The United States government should be urged to take robust action against the Government of Sudan and NOT be lobbied by Mr. Bart Fisher for rewards which are unmerited.

At the protest on Friday, activists were joined by US Representative Frank Wolf (R-VA) who has spoken out against Sudan hiring a Washington lobbyist and stated on Tuesday,  December 13 on the House floor his outrage in learning that the “genocidal government of Khartoum hired a lobbyist to represent its interests  in Washington”. 

Demonstration outside Bart Fisher's office

Join the Sudanese people and demand for Justice by urging your member of Congress to push for robust action against Sudan.

Democratic Republic of Congo

DR Congo’s Tshisekedi orders army to disobey Kabila—BBC News

“Democratic Republic of Congo opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi has called on the security forces to stop obeying orders from President Joseph Kabila. Mr Tshisekedi made the call after rejecting Mr Kabila’s victory in last month’s disputed elections…”

Congo’s Etienne Tshisekedi Declares Himself President—Voice of America

“Congolese opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi says he will take the oath of office after declaring himself the country’s rightful president. DRC election officials said Tshisekedi lost last month’s presidential election to incumbent Joseph Kabila. But, on Sunday, Tshisekedi repeated his assertion that the vote counting process was flawed and that voters actually elected him president…”

Court upholds Congo elections—CNN International

“Congo’s highest court has upheld Joseph Kabila’s win in last month’s presidential election, striking down a lawsuit on Thursday that challenged the validity of the results…”

Syria

Syria FM: We weren’t playing for time—BBC News

“Damascus has signed an Arab League agreement to allow observers into the country, Syria’s foreign minister has said. Walid Muallem said that the deal was signed after the Arab League accepted amendments demanded by Syria. He also denied that Damascus had been “playing for time” in delaying the agreement and accused some Arab nations of wanting to “internationalise” the crisis in his country…”

Syria signs deal to let in Arab monitors—Reuters

“Syria agreed on Monday to let Arab League observers into the country to monitor implementation of a deal it agreed last month to pull troops from protest-hit towns, free political prisoners and start talking to dissidents…”

Arab Officials: Syria’s Assad to Sign Peace Plan Soon—Voice of America

“Senior Arab officials say they expect Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to quickly sign an Arab League peace plan aimed at ending his deadly crackdown on a nine-month-long opposition uprising. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani said Sunday he has information that Assad will sign the plan. Omani Foreign Minister Youssef bin Alawi also said he is “optimistic” that Syria will agree to the Arab initiative within 24 hours…”

Syria crisis: Iraq’s Falah Fayadh ‘positive’ on talks—BBC News

“An Iraqi delegation led by National Security adviser Falah al-Fayadh says it has held “positive” talks in Syria aimed at ending the violence there…”

Syria ‘authorised forces to shoot to kill’ in crackdown—BBC News

“Syrian soldiers said their commanders told them to stop anti-government protests “by all means necessary”, Human Rights Watch has said…”

Syria unrest: Russia pulled two ways—BBC News

“Syria has provided Russia with a close military ally in the heart of the Arab world since Soviet times. And up until recently, it has suited Moscow’s world view to stay friends with President Bashar al-Assad. It fits Russia’s profile of itself as an independent Eurasian world power with its own priorities…”

Sudan and South Sudan

Kiir accuses Sudan of destabilizing—Miraya FM

“The South Sudanese President, Salva Kiir, on Friday accused Sudan of trying to destabilize new State of South Sudan with cross-border militia raids and bombing runs against refugee camps…”

S. Sudan rebels claim Kiir plotted to assassinate their leader—Sudan Tribune

“The South Sudanese rebels have successfully aborted an attempt to kill George Athor last Tuesday, claimed a joint statement released today by two armed groups operating in the newly independent state…”

“Storm of hunger” threatens lives of 2.5 million South Sudanese—Miraya FM

“Damaged crops combined with conflict and insecurity are threatening to leave some 2.5 million people in South Sudan in critical conditions unless food assistance is provided immediately, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) warned on Thursday…”

4 people killed in Patiet in fresh raid in Jonglei state—Miraya FM

“At least four people have been reportedly killed and about one thousand cattle stolen at Patiet in Uror County of Jonglei State by unknown gunmen. Speaking to Radio Miraya on Saturday, the commissioner of Uror County, Tut Pok Nyang said seven villages were raided on Friday…”

Joint Committee for Implementing Doha Holds First Meeting—Radio Dabanga

“The joint committee for implementation of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur has appreciated the spirit of cooperation between the concerned parties and the commitment to the realization of peace in Darfur…”

Former Darfur rebels criticize the ICC, as Bashir appoints its members in Sudan’s cabinet—Sudan Tribune

“Tijani el-Sissi, leader of the Liberation and Justice Movement, accused the International Criminal Court (ICC) of impeding the achievement of peace in Darfur, as President Omer al-Bashir appointed LJM secretary general as federal minister of health…”

Rape and beating in South Darfur—Radio Dabanga

“Three women were raped by an armed group on Saturday near the Internally Displaced People’s (IDP) camp in Mershing locality, South Darfur, a witness told Radio Dabanga…”

Man killed, two injured near El Fasher—Radio Dabanga

“One man was killed and two injured this week when gunmen traveling in Land Cruisers attacked camel traders in Donki Shuta near El Fasher, Western Darfur…”

SPLM-N chief orders release of all POW’s—Sudan Tribune

“The chairman of the Sudan People Liberation Movement North (SPLM-N) Malik Agar has issued a directive today by which all Prisoners of Wars are to be released from the movement’s custody…”

Syria

Syrian Protesters, Security Forces Clash in Homs—Voice of America

“Syrian activists say 200,000 protesters have gathered in Homs on Friday, the largest demonstration yet in the restive city that has been the epicenter of a nine-month uprising…”

Homs: Bloody winter in Syria’s revolution capital—CNN

“The Arab Spring has turned to bloody winter in Homs, the city that has suffered the most from Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s deadly nationwide crackdown on anti-government protesters. Known as the capital of the revolution, Homs has seen the worst of the violence that has left an estimated 5,000 people dead since protests began in Syria in March…”

 Syrians protest against Assad after Russia U.N. move—Reuters

“Hundreds of thousands of Syrians took to the streets on Friday to protest against President Bashar al-Assad, activists said, a day after Syria’s big power ally Russia sharpened its criticism of Damascus in a draft United Nations resolution…”

Hopes Rise for UN Action on Syria—Voice of America

“Russia Thursday proposed a new draft resolution condemning the violence in Syria, giving rise to hopes the U.N. Security Council will end its relative silence on the nine month crackdown on protestors. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says the United States is ready to work with Moscow on the proposal…”

  Sudan and South Sudan

Arresting Darfur suspects key to ending conflict: ICC prosecutor—Sudan Tribune

“The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Luis Moreno-Ocampo told the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) today that crimes continue to be committed in Sudan’s western region of Darfur…”

Sudan’s violence impedes normalization process – US envoy—Sudan Tribune

“US Administration has clearly informed Khartoum that bilateral relations cannot be improved unless they end violence in Blue Nile and South Kordofan and allow humanitarian access to the affected population, Obama’s special envoy said this week…”

Rebels warn US companies against investment in South Sudan—Sudan Tribune

“Rebels operating predominantly in Unity state of South Sudan have issued a statement warning US companies considering investing in the country that their safety cannot be assured until the current president, Salva Kiir, is removed from power…”

IDPs need assistance in South Darfur—Radio Dabanga

“A group of 1,500 internally displaced people (IDPs) have been struggling in harsh conditions with no humanitarian support from local or international organizations, said a witness in El Daein locality to Radio Dabanga…”

Abyei Committee fails to break deadlock—Radio Dabanga

“The Abyei Joint Oversight Committee held it’s first meeting on Wednesday to discuss the administration of Abyei, a source told Radio Dabanga…”

Shooting in Western Darfur—Radio Dabanga

“On Monday four people were killed when two government affiliated militias held a gunbattle in Kidepo village, north east of Zalingei in Western Darfur. They had disagreed on how to share out looted goods between them, a witness told Radio Dabanga…”

President Kiir pledges to respect human rights—Miraya FM

“South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit says his government will respect Human Rights and fundamental freedoms and equality in the country…”

Machar calls on Jongei state communities to stop violent conflicts—Sudan Tribune

“The vice president of South Sudan, Riek Machar, has called on the communities in Jonglei state to stop their violent conflicts. Machar made the appeal on Thursday in Juba following reports that a revenge attack was under way against the Murle ethnic group, by Lou-Nuer and Greater Bor communities…”

Democratic Republic of Congo

Congo Supreme Court Hears Election Challenge—Voice of America

“The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Supreme Court has begun hearing a lawsuit seeking to annul the presidential election that returned incumbent Joseph Kabila to power…”

Central Africa Sees Endgame in LRA Conflict—Voice of America

“For more than two decades, the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) has spread terror from its original stronghold in northern Uganda, murdering and raping its way across central Africa. In October, U.S. President Barack Obama ordered a 100-strong U.S. military contingent deployed to provide intelligence and technical assistance to help Uganda and its neighbors finally stop the LRA…”

Great Lakes Region Consider Establishing ‘Intelligence Fusion Center’—Voice of America

“A Ugandan official says six heads of state and government from the Great Lakes region will hold talks today (Friday) on establishing a joint intelligence-sharing center for the region…”

Five reasons why Lord’s Resistance Army remains on the loose—CNN

“President Barack Obama announced recently that about 100 U.S. troops are being deployed to Central Africa to help “apprehend and remove” the elusive Joseph Kony and his top commanders of the Lord’s Resistance Army…”

Libya

Special Report: Libya – divided it stands—Reuters

“Libya plans an election next year. Whether it gets there could well turn on incidents like the three-day battle along Highway 1 last month…”

Gaddafi’s death may be war crime: ICC prosecutor—Reuters

“The death of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, who was captured and killed by rebels in October, may have been a war crime, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court said on Thursday…”

Yemen

Nobel Winner Says Yemen Could Face Civil War—Voice of America

“Nobel Peace Prize winner Tawakkol Karman of Yemen says her country could be pushed into a civil war unless the West stops supporting the current transition and takes strong legal and financial action against President Ali Abdullah Saleh…”

Syria

Syrian rebels kill 27 soldiers in south—Reuters

“Army deserters killed 27 soldiers in southern Syria on Thursday, an activist group said, in some of the deadliest attacks on forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad since the start of an uprising nine months ago…”

Syrian defectors tell of orders to kill and torture protesters—CNN

“”At one point we killed eight people in 15 minutes. The protesters were unarmed. They didn’t even have rocks! That’s when I decided to defect. I threw away my gun and ran towards the protesters.””

For thousands of Syrians, Lebanon provides shelter—CNN

“A young mother with 6-month-old triplets, a laborer still fearful of reprisals, a preacher whose wife was shot dead at an illegal border crossing, wounded in hospitals, a man living in a converted classroom — these are among the 5,000 or more Syrian refugees living in Lebanon…”

Sudan and South Sudan

SPLM-N rebels call for popular uprising in Khartoum—Sudan Tribune

“The deputy leader of the rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement- North Abdel Aziz Hilu called for a popular uprising in the Sudanese capital to overthrow the government of president Omer al-Bashir…”

South Sudan has “evidence” that Khartoum is supporting Athor’s rebellion – governor—Sudan Tribune

“Jonglei state governor Kuol Manyang Juuk has said that military equipment captured from rebel forces after a recent attack in Pigi county has “very valuable information” showing Khartoum’s support for South Sudan’s rebellions…”

Sudanese president to skip Great Lakes summit in Uganda—Sudan Tribune

“The Sudanese president Omer Hassan al-Bashir will not participate in the heads of states summit of the International Conference of the Great Lakes region (ICGLR) that will start tomorrow in the Ugandan capital…”

Committee meets to discuss Sudanese refugees in Eastern Chad—Radio Dabanga

“The Technical Committee discussing the voluntary return of Sudanese refugees from Chad, held a meeting yesterday. The Committee, made up of three Sudanese, three Chadian government officials and representatives from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) met to discuss procedures and solutions for Sudanese refugees…”

Woman raped near Zam Zam camp—Radio Dabanga

“A woman was raped by two men dressed in military uniform in North Darfur on Tuesday, a witness told Radio Dabanga. The woman was living in Zam Zam camp for internally displaced persons (IDP) fleeing the conflict in the area. Carrying her four month old baby, she ventured out of the camp 2 km east to collect firewood…”

Hundreds of livestock looted in North Darfur—Radio Dabanga

“On Monday, pro-government militias traveling in Land Cruisers were reported as having looted the villages of Muhammad Ali, Durma, Jaraf and Jamah, close to El Fasher, a witness told Radio Dabanga…”

South Sudan’s Kiir promises accountability and transparency to promote investments—Sudan Tribune
“The Sudanese president Omer Hassan al-Bashir will not participate in the heads of states summit of the International Conference of the Great Lakes region (ICGLR) that will start tomorrow in the Ugandan capital…”

S. Sudan risks conflict over exclusion of minority groups: MRG—Sudan Tribune

“The newly independent South Sudan risks an outbreak of internal conflicts, if minority ethnic rights are excluded from the country’s major decision making process, Minority Rights Group International (MRG) said in a recent briefing…”

Democratic Republic of Congo

Diplomats Agree Kabila Won Congo’s Poll, Says Official—Voice of America

“In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Information Minister Lambert Mende says diplomats agree that incumbent Joseph Kabila won the disputed election. They announced their opinion late Wednesday…”

U.S.: Congo elections ‘seriously flawed’—CNN

“The United States called the recent presidential elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo “seriously flawed” but said it was unclear whether the irregularities were enough to change the outcome of the election in the central African country…”

Yemen

Yemen’s Noncompetitive Presidential Election Draws Wide Support—Voice of America

“As Yemen transitions towards democracy, it is organizing a presidential election with only one likely candidate: Vice President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi…”